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How to Be a Bawse: 7 No-Nonsense Tips for Teens to Conquer the Road Ahead

by Jennifer Clare

Feeling inspired to dive into Singh’s book? Scroll to the bottom to see how you can win a copy of your own!

Better known by her online persona IISuperwomanII, Lilly Singh is a popular YouTube personality, vlogger, comedian, and actress. With more than ten million subscribers, almost two billion views, and two world tours under her belt, Singh certainly knows how to hustle. Now she adds the title “author” to her extensive list of accomplishments with the release of her new book, How to Be a Bawse: A Guide to Conquering Life.

What’s a bawse, you ask? Someone who isn’t just surviving life, but completely and totally conquering it. A bawse exudes confidence, stands out in a crowd, learns from every experience, and works hard to achieve greatness. In short, they are constantly striving to be the absolute best version of themselves.

Whether gearing up for exams, preparing to go off to college, or just looking to make some life changes, Singh’s great advice (and beautiful success story) is the perfect motivation for the young adults in your life. Here are just a few of our favorite tips from How to Be a Bawse to help soon-to-be adults not just live life, but take charge of it.

1. Expect a climb.

According to Singh, there are no shortcuts, quick tips, or wishing on shooting stars when it comes to being a bawse. It’s all about hard work and dedication. Set goals for yourself, feel rewarded when you reach them, and then challenge yourself to go even further.

2. Find your focus.

Figure out your priorities, hustle toward them, and forget the rest.

3. Believe it can be done.

When looking for a place to shoot the music video for her song “IVIVI,” Singh had her sights set on the Toronto Raptors’ basketball court, an idea that seemed next to impossible with the video team’s tight deadline and limited budget. But she refused to just assume that it couldn’t happen and instead pushed to make it happen. Singh got her time on the court and, by aiming high with her asks, got even more than she needed. Bottom line, don’t believe something is unrealistic until you’re flat-out told it can’t be done.

4. Give it your all.

Life isn’t about just going through the motions. If you’re going to do something, put everything you have into it.

5. Be kind.

Singh’s keys to success? Work hard and be nice to people. You may be super diligent and determined, but no one is going to want to work with, present opportunities to, or support someone who isn’t a nice person. Even more important than success, a bawse’s mission in life is to make the world a better place. A little kindness can go a long way toward making that happen.

6. Embrace your hardships.

Pain and struggle are a part of life. You will experience heartache from a breakup, disappointment over a bad grade, anger over friendship drama, and so much more. Allow yourself to feel these emotions, but don’t let them consume you. Learn from your pain so you can look forward to a stronger you tomorrow. The hustle and the struggles that come with it are opportunities to grow.

7. Be grateful.

Singh recounts once being annoyed at not having Wi-Fi on a 14-hour flight only to realize her privilege a few hours later in Kenya. Seeing little kids playing outside their huts in tattered clothes and shabby shoes was a reality check for Singh and a reminder of all she had to be grateful for. It’s important to see the bigger picture that is your life and remember how truly blessed you are.